It’s not always exciting. But…
This is what a day often looks like, and feels like,in the life of someone constantly on the move. A flight attendant, yes, but also just a person figuring things out between time zones, coffee breaks, and red-eye flights.

Sometimes it’s chasing sunrises, sometimes it’s chasing sleep.
Most days, it’s a mix of both.

Whether it’s a short-haul turnaround or an ultra-long-haul flight to Australia or the U.S, my prep starts way before I show up for duty. Suitcase packed (again), makeup, nails and hair done — all before heading out the door. Briefing is usually an hour before the flight, so timing everything just right becomes second nature.

Funny enough, I used to think I loved working night shifts. Today? I’ve realized I’m definitely more of a morning person. Watching the sunrise after a proper sleep beats seeing two sunsets after 24 hours awake.

People often think we get days off to explore every new place. In reality..We usually get 24 hours, and the clock starts ticking the moment we land. After an ultra-long haul, we arrive at the hotel in the morning, and at that moment I am half asleep already .

Some crew head out right away, determined not to miss the daylight. Me, I need that 3-4 hour nap before I can function like a human again. After that, I’ll explore the city (often still with red eyes), grab something local to eat, and head back to rest before the wake-up call and flight home.

Jet Lag, Time Zones & Random Naps

Jet lag is no joke. Trying to find a rhythm between time zones, eating patterns, and staying active is hard. I’ve had layovers where I never left the hotel room, ordering room service, binge-watching Netflix, and listening to my body. I’ve learned that’s okay. Listening to your body is something this job forces you to learn.

Coffee addiction? Oh yes. That mid-flight espresso shot at 3AM hits differently… and not always in a good way. Will I sleep after? Who knows. Insomnia after being awake for 20+ hours is real, your body is so tired it forgets how to relax.

Dinner, Breakfast & Lunch?

Breakfast before my flight, lunch at landing, dinner at the hotel — and it’s all in different time zones. In the beginning, I just ate whenever I felt hungry (which was all the time). Now, I mostly follow UAE time for my meals and keep things light during the flight.

Also, eating while flying? Not always fun. Cabin pressure + high-sodium meals = bloating. And I’m not talking about “a little bloated”, I’ve landed feeling like a balloon. You really learn to adapt, snack wisely, and figure out what works for your body.

Connection in a Disconnected Job

Keeping in touch with family and friends across time zones is another balancing act. Everyone’s on a different schedule. You fly with new crew every time. Finding real, lasting friendship in this industry is tough.

But the good ones, the ones who understand your silence and don’t need constant texts, they’re gold. I’ve also found peace in alone time after long days full of people, conversations, and constant movement.

Growth at 35,000 Feet

This job has changed me. I used to be super outgoing, always on, always social. Now, I’ve come to enjoy the quiet. I’ve learned how to sit still, how to be okay with silence, and how to just be.

Still, I never forget why I do this. Among the chaos, delays, missed connections, and long hours, I get to see families reunited, couples heading off on a dream trip, and people creating unforgettable memories. If I can make that journey even a little bit better — that’s worth it.

It’s easy to point out what’s hard in this job. But there’s so much beauty in the mess too. 🌍

Whether you’re chasing flights or just chasing your own version of balance… I hope you’re being kind to yourself.

Until next time — safe journeys, wherever you’re headed. 🤍